Pie-shaped food slice storage device

ABSTRACT

Inventive embodiments disclosed herein include a storage container for food slices. The storage container includes a main body having a pie slice configuration, the main body having a top portion, a base portion with a top surface defining two or more bubbles, and opposing sidewalls tapering outwardly from the base portion, the sidewalls defining at least one ledge. One or more shelves are removably positionable within the main body, each shelf resting on the at least one ledge, each shelf having a surface defining two or more bubbles, the shelves separated from the sidewalls by a space sized to permit movement by a human finger. The storage container also includes a cover reversibly positionable over the top portion of the main body, parallel to the base portion.

FIELD

Inventive embodiments disclosed herein relate to a storage device for pie slice shaped foods.

BACKGROUND

A question commonly asked by consumers of pizza is this . . . “How do you store your leftover pizza?” Currently, consumers use Saran Wrap, foil, Ziploc bags, large indivisible storage containers, or an actual pizza box to store the leftover pizza in the refrigerator.

SUMMARY

Inventive embodiments disclosed herein include a storage container for food slices. The storage container includes a main body having a pie slice configuration, the main body having a top portion, a base portion with a top surface defining two or more bubbles, and opposing sidewalls tapering outwardly from the base portion, the sidewalls defining at least one ledge. One or more shelves are removably positionable within the main body, each shelf resting on the at least one lip, each shelf having a surface defining two or more bubbles, the shelves separated from the sidewalls by a space sized to permit movement by a human finger. The storage container also includes a cover reversibly positionable over the top portion of the main body, parallel to the base portion.

Embodiments also include a heat dissipation and grease dispersion device for a food stored in a container. The heat dissipation and grease dispersion device includes a main body for receipt of food, the main body having a top surface and a perimeter defining cut-outs effective for heat dissipation. The heat dissipation device also includes bubbles, such as raised diamond-shaped portions, integral with the top surface, the bubbles, such as raised diamond-shaped portions, having a height effective for heat dissipation and grease flow dispersion.

Embodiments also include a storage container for food slices, comprising: a main body having a pie slice configuration, the main body having a top portion, a base portion with a top surface, and opposing sidewalls tapering outwardly from the base portion, the sidewalls defining at least one ledge; one or more shelves removably positionable within the main body, each shelf resting on the at least one ledge, each shelf having a surface, the shelves separated from the sidewalls by a space sized to permit movement by a human finger.

Another embodiment includes a storage container. The storage container includes a main body having a first sidewall and at least one hinge attached to the sidewall. The main body further includes a second sidewall opposing the first sidewall, the second sidewall having at least one ledge. The main body further includes a base connecting the first and second sidewalls to form the main body; and one or more shelves, each shelf attached to one of the hinges, wherein motion of each of the hinges and shelves is limited by the associated ledge.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a longitudinal side view of a four slice embodiment of the pizza slice storage device disclosed herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates a width side view of a four slice embodiment of the pizza slice storage device of FIG. 1 disclosed herein.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the four slice embodiment of the pizza slice storage device of FIG. 1 that includes a cover.

FIG. 4 illustrates a longitudinal perspective view of the pizza slice storage device of claim 1.

FIG. 5 illustrates a top plan view of the pizza slice storage device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6A illustrates a top plan view of one embodiment of a bottom shelf 14 of the pizza slice storage device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6B illustrates a top plan view of a middle shelf 16 of the pizza shelf storage device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 6C illustrates a top plan view of a top shelf 18 of the pizza shelf storage device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 7A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the width shelf embodiment of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 7B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the width shelf embodiment of FIG. 6B.

FIG. 7C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the width shelf embodiment of FIG. 6C.

FIG. 8A illustrates a perspective view of the shelf embodiment of FIG. 6A, with advertising.

FIG. 8B illustrates a perspective view of the shelf embodiment of FIG. 6B, with advertising.

FIG. 8C illustrates a perspective view of the shelf embodiment of FIG. 6C.

FIG. 9A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the length of the shelf embodiment of FIG. 6A.

FIG. 9B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the length of the shelf embodiment of FIG. 6B.

FIG. 9C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the length of the shelf embodiment of FIG. 6C.

FIG. 10 illustrates a longitudinal side view of a two slice embodiment of the pizza slice storage device disclosed herein.

FIG. 11 illustrates a side view of the width of the two slice container embodiment of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 illustrates a top plan view of the pizza storage device of FIG. 10.

FIG. 13 illustrates a perspective view of the two slice embodiment of FIG. 10, with advertising.

FIG. 14 illustrates a side view of one other embodiment of the four shelf pizza storage device.

FIG. 15 illustrates a top perspective view of a handle portion the pizza slice storage shelf of FIG. 6A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific embodiments in which the invention may be practiced. These embodiments, which are also referred to herein as “examples,” are described in enough detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. The embodiments may be combined, other embodiments may be utilized, or structural, and logical changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used to include one or more than one and the term “or” is used to refer to a nonexclusive “or” unless otherwise indicated. In addition, it is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein, and not otherwise defined, is for the purpose of description only and not of limitation. Furthermore, all publications, patents, and patent documents referred to in this document are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety, as though individually incorporated by reference. In the event of inconsistent usages between this document and those documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in the incorporated reference should be considered supplementary to that of this document; for irreconcilable inconsistencies, the usage in this document controls.

Inventive embodiments disclosed herein include a storage container for food slices. The storage container includes a main body having a pie slice configuration, the main body having a top portion, a base portion with a top surface defining two or more bubbles, and opposing sidewalls tapering outwardly from the base portion, the sidewalls defining at least one ledge. One or more shelves are removably positionable within the main body, each shelf resting on the at least one ledge, each shelf having a surface defining two or more bubbles, the shelves separated from the sidewalls by a space sized to permit movement by a human finger. The storage container also includes a cover reversibly positionable over the top portion of the main body, parallel to the base portion.

One embodiment of the pizza slice storage device, illustrated generally at 10 in FIG. 1, includes a main container body 12 enclosing three shelves, 14, 16 and 18. The storage device also includes a main container base 20. A top view of the pizza slice storage device 10, illustrated in FIG. 5, illustrates a pie slice configuration of the device 10 and a cover 22. The cover 22 is removable for access into the main container body 12, from the top. The storage embodiment shown at 10 is effective for storing four slices of pizza. While pizza is described, it is understood that the pizza slice storage device is also effective for storing slices of other types of pie slice-shaped foods.

The container main body 10 has tapered sidewalls 24 and 26 and a shape of a pizza slice or other pie slice, as shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 5. The tapered sidewalls 24 and 26 and one or more shelves define a space for fingers of a consumer to easily insert or withdraw each of the shelves 14, 16, and 18 from the top of the container main body 12 with minimal or no contact with the slice of pizza. The tapered sidewalls define one or more ledges, shown at 27 for retaining each of the shelves. A perspective view of one embodiment of the storage device 10 with transparent sidewalls is shown in FIG. 4.

For one embodiment, each of the shelves 14, 16, 18, includes heat dissipation features and grease dispersion illustrated for one shelf 14 in FIG. 6A. The shelf 14 defines a handle 40 for easy removal of the shelf 14 from the container main body 10. A perspective view of the handle 40 is also shown in FIG. 15. An orifice 42 defined by the handle 40 aids both in removal of the shelf with a slice of pizza or other pie slice shaped food as well as heat dissipation and grease dispersion of a slice of pizza. The handle 40 has an ergonomic shape for easy withdrawal of the shelf 14.

The shelf 14 also includes irregularities 44, 46, 48, and 50 defining the perimeter of the shelf that also aid in heat dissipation of food, as well as the dispersion of grease away from a food pie slice received by the shelf 14. The shelf 14 includes a top surface 52 for receiving food that defines bubbles, such as diamonds, shown at 54. The bubbles are sized to position the slice of pizza above the top surface of the shelf 14. Bubbles having a longer length are located at or near the center of the shelf. Smaller bubbles are located closer to the perimeter of the shelf. The bubbles aid in both heat dissipation from the pizza slice as well as a redirection of excess grease from the slice of pizza to the top surface of the shelf and, ultimately, to the top surface of the base 20 of the main body 12. The term “bubble” as used herein refers to raised portions on the surface of each shelf 14, 16 and 18 in the storage container and base of the storage container. The raised portions have a symmetry and size effective for heat dissipation and grease dispersion from food that rests upon them. In the figures herein, the bubbles have a diamond shape. The shelf 14, is shown in perspective in FIG. 8A.

For some embodiments, the shelves 14, 16 and 18 are progressively larger. For instance, in one embodiment, shown in FIG. 6A, the shelf 14 has a longitudinal dimension that is less than the longitudinal dimension of the shelf 16, shown in FIG. 6B. The shelf 16 has a longitudinal dimension that is less than the longitudinal dimension of the shelf 18, shown in FIG. 6C. For another embodiment, the shelves 14, 16 and 18 have the same dimensions and the ridges supporting the shelves are sized to effectively support each of the shelves.

A two slice container embodiment, illustrated generally at 30 in FIG. 10, includes a main body 32 enclosing one shelf 34 and a main container base 36. The top plan view illustrated in FIG. 12, also illustrates a cover 38 of the container embodiment 30. The embodiment 30 is capable of storing two slices of pizza or two slices of other pie shaped food.

For one container embodiment shown in FIG. 4, sidewalls 24 and 26 are clear. For another embodiment, the base 20 of the storage container is white or frosted. For other embodiments, heat dissipation and grease dispersion bubbles 54 are clear to indicate depth. For some embodiments, the internal shelf support ridges are clear. For another embodiment, the removable shelves are red and heat dissipation and grease dispersion bubbles are clear to show depth. For another embodiment, heat dissipation and grease dissipation bubbles are clear.

Bubble heights are 0.125 inches and shelf thickness is 0.06 inches, shown in FIG. 9A. These dimensions are presented to illustrate exemplary dimensions and not to limit the scope of inventive embodiments herein.

While pizza is disclosed herein, it is understood that the container embodiments are usable with virtually any food having a pie slice shape and for any food capable of fitting on one of the shelves. For some embodiments, a shelf is removable to accommodate a thicker portion of a food. The pizza slice container 10 ensures freshness for up to four slices of pizza, one on each shelf when stored in a refrigerator or freezer.

Slices of pizza or other foods are secured in place by the dimensions of the storage container thereby avoiding breakage. Some container embodiments include a lid that snaps in place for transport. The seal created by attachment of the lid is airtight.

For some embodiments, the 4-slice container is used for refrigeration storage at home to maintain freshness and the 2-slice container is used for transporting pizza slices for consumption as a lunch or snack. For other embodiments the food storage containers are used to store at least a portion of an MRE, Meals Ready to Eat. For another embodiment, the food storage container includes more than three shelves and is used to store or transport many slices of pie shaped food for further processing or delivery to a store or consumer for final sale.

Another embodiment of the four shelf storage container for four pie slices is illustrated in side view at 100 in FIG. 14. The storage container 100 includes a main storage body 102 having a base 104. The main storage body 102 encloses shelves 120, 122, and 124. Sidewalls 106 and 108 extending outwardly from the base 104, and a cover 110. The sidewall 106 includes hinges 112, 114, 116, and 118. The hinge 112 hingedly attaches the cover 110 to the main storage body 102. The hinge 114 hingedly attaches the shelf 120 to the main storage body 102. The motion of the hinge and shelf is restricted by a ledge 200 that also aids in supporting the shelf 120. In a closed position, the shelf 120 is in a position shown by broken line 121. In an open position, the shelf 120 is movable about the hinge as shown at 120. The hinge 116 hingedly attaches the shelf 122 to the main storage body 102. In a closed position, the shelf 122 is in a position shown by broken line 123. In an open position, the shelf 122 is movable about the hinge 116. The motion of the hinge 116 is stopped by ledge 202. The ledge 202 also supports the shelf 122. The hinge 118 hingedly attaches the shelf 124 to the main storage body 102. In a closed position, the shelf 124 is in a position shown by broken line 125. The motion of the hinge 118 and shelf 124 is stopped by ledge 204. The ledge 204 also supports the shelf 124. In an open position, the shelf 124 is movable about the hinge 118.

While a storage container 100 is shown with three shelves 120, 122 and 124, it is understood that a storage container may contain more than four shelves or fewer than four shelves.

Some main container bodies 12 and 32 and covers 22, 38 and 100 and shelves of the pizza slice storage device embodiments are made of polymers such as low density polyethylene or polypropylene, polycarbonate or cellulose-based structures. Some container embodiments are made of a mixture of materials. For instance, the main container bodies 12 and 32 and 102 are made of a polymer and the shelves are made of a cellulosic material or a corn product containing material or a combination of both. Some container embodiments are reusable and some embodiments are made for a single use. Some container embodiments are biodegradable. The container embodiments maintain integrity when subjected to microwaves, which allows for reheating of pizza slices when in the container. Some container embodiments are also resistant to damage in a dish washer and are BPA free. For some embodiments, the containers are made by molding or other extrusion processes.

For some embodiments, features of the storage container are customizable, in accordance with instructions received from a consumer. Two customized examples are described herein. These examples are not intended to limit the scope of the invention but to present particular features that may be customized.

Example 1

For a two-slice storage container, indicia denoting a sports team, such as the Boston Celtics is applied to the top cover. The application is in the form of a sticker for some embodiments, a stamping for another embodiment or a combination of a sticker and a stamping. These embodiments are shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13. The indicia are, for some embodiments, of multiple colors. The indicia are, for some embodiments, readable by an electronic device such as a bar code reader.

Example 2

Indicia for a four slice container are selected and applied as described for Example 1. The sidewalls are selected to be clear, with indicia positioned on the sidewalls. The bottom of the storage container is selected to be frosted and heat dissipation bubbles are clear to show depth. Ridges on the shelves are clear while the shelves themselves are frosted. This embodiment is shown in FIG. 10 and FIG. 11.

For some embodiments, containers include a shrink wrap or skin material enclosing the outside of the main storage body and cover. For some embodiments, stickers that are placed on the outside of the shrink wrap or skin on any or all of the three sides of the storage container embodiments, shown in FIGS. 3 and 13. For other embodiments, stickers are placed on the container itself. The stickers may be customized to the interests of the consumer. For some embodiments, the shrink wrap or surfaces of the container embodiments include indicia that are readable by other devices, such as a smartphone or a device such as the Google Glass. Some embodiments include a gaming feature, such as a number uncovered by scratching off a surface or a ticket or voucher positioned within the skin or shrink wrap or between the container and the skin or shrink wrap or within the container.

For some embodiments, containers or the skin or shrink wrap covering portions of the containers are colored with absorbing dyes. The dyes include NIR Dyes, visible dyes; UV Dyes; water soluble dyes; visible opaque dyes; dyes for plastics; and combinations of these dyes. Dyes also include thermochromic dyes such as thermochromic aqueous inks; thermochromic UV inks, thermochromic pigments; thermochromic aqueous slurries; thermochromic textile inks; thermochromic masterbatch; BPA free thermochromic and combinations of these materials. Other suitable dyes include photochromic dyes such as photochromic textile inks; photochromic pigments; photochromic masterbatch; photochromic aqueous slurries; photochromic screen inks and combinations of these materials. Other embodiments include fluorescent pigments and dyes, such as UV visible fluorescent pigment; UV visible fluorescent dyes; infrared fluorescent dyes and anti-Stokes pigments; and combinations of these materials.

Other specialty, customized container application embodiments employ materials such as light emitting polymers and their intermediates; polythiophenes; organo-metallics; oligomers for OLED and fullerene derivatives and combinations of these materials.

It is contemplated that for some embodiments, slice containers or tickets, stickers, shrink wrap or skin associated with the slice containers include one or more LED lights. For embodiments with multiple users of the slice containers that include LED's, it is contemplated that the slice containers, when viewed together, display a message. In one other embodiment, one set of indicia are viewed by consumers actually viewing one or more slice containers and a second set of indicia are viewed by consumers viewing the slice container on a device such as a television set.

The embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other embodiments may be utilized and formulation and method of using changes may be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The detailed description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the invention is defined only by the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes could be made to the embodiments described above without departing from the broad inventive concept thereof. It is understood, therefore, that this invention is not limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but it is intended to cover modifications within the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the present description. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A storage container for food slices, comprising: a main body having a pie slice configuration, the main body having a top portion, a base portion with a top surface defining two or more bubbles, and opposing sidewalls tapering outwardly from the base portion, the sidewalls defining at least one ledge; one or more shelves removably positionable within the main body, each shelf resting on the at least one ledge, each shelf having a surface defining two or more bubbles, the shelves separated from the sidewalls by a space sized to permit movement by a human finger; and a cover reversibly positionable over the top portion of the main body, parallel to the base portion.
 2. The storage container of claim 1 wherein each of the one or more shelves includes a handle defining a space for receipt of a user's fingers.
 3. The storage container of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more shelves is defined by an irregular border effective for heat dissipation and grease dispersion.
 4. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the number and height of the bubbles in the shelf and bottom surface are effective for heat dissipation and grease dispersion.
 5. The storage container of claim 1 wherein the cover is hingedly attached to the storage main body.
 6. The storage container of claim 1 wherein the cover imparts an air tight seal to the container.
 7. The storage container of claim 1, further comprising a shrink wrap material or a skin for enclosing the storage container.
 8. The storage container of claim 7, wherein the shrink wrap material or skin includes indicia.
 9. The storage container of claim 1, wherein the cover is embossed.
 10. The storage container of claim 1, further comprising one or more stickers for placement on the storage container.
 11. The storage container of claim 1, having three shelves, a top shelf adjacent to the cover, a middle shelf and a bottom shelf, adjacent to the base.
 12. The storage container of claim 11, wherein the bottom shelf has a longitudinal length that is shorter than the top shelf.
 13. The storage container of claim 11, wherein the three shelves have the same longitudinal length.
 14. The storage container of claim 1, further comprising indicia readable by an electronic device, the indicia positioned on the storage container.
 15. A heat dissipation and grease dispersion device for a food stored in a container, comprising: a main body for receipt of food, the main body having a top surface and a perimeter defining cut-outs effective for heat dissipation and grease dispersion; and bubbles integral with the top surface, the bubbles having a height effective for heat dissipation and grease dispersion.
 16. A method for advertising, comprising: Procuring a storage container for food, the storage container comprising: a main body, the main body having a top portion, a base portion with a top surface defining two or more bubbles effective for heat dissipation and grease dispersion, and opposing sidewalls tapering outwardly from the base portion, the sidewalls defining at least one ledge; one or more shelves removably positionable within the main body, each shelf resting on the at least one ledge, each shelf having a surface defining two or more bubbles, the shelves separated from the sidewalls by a space sized to permit movement by a human finger; a cover reversibly positionable over the top portion of the main body, parallel to the base portion; and one or more of a sticker or shrink wrap or skin applied to the storage container; and customizing the sticker or shrink wrap to display preselected indicia.
 17. The method of claim 16 wherein indicia readable by an electronic device.
 18. The method of claim 16 wherein the indicia comprise one or more coupons.
 19. A storage container for food slices, comprising: a main body having a pie slice configuration, the main body having a base portion with a top surface, and opposing sidewalls tapering outwardly from the base portion, the sidewalls defining at least one ledge; and one or more shelves removably positionable within the main body, each shelf resting on the at least one ledge, each shelf having a surface, the shelves separated from the sidewalls by a space sized to permit movement by a human finger.
 20. A storage container, comprising: A main body having a first sidewall and at least one hinge attached to the sidewall, the main body further comprising a second sidewall opposing the first sidewall, the second sidewall having at least one ledge, the main body further comprising a base connecting the first and second sidewalls to form the main body; and one or more shelves, each shelf attached to one of the hinges, wherein motion of each of the hinges and shelves is limited by the associated ledge. 